A school district in Georgia that reopened in-person classes last week is quarantining more than 900 students and staff members for possible exposure to the coronavirus.
The Cherokee County School District, about 30 miles north of Atlanta, reopened to more than 30,000 of its 42,000 students on Aug. 3, according to Superintendent Brian Hightower.
By Tuesday morning, there were 59 people testing positive for COVID-19, he said in a statement.
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“We do not doubt quarantine students and staff who have had possible exposure – even if the positive test was affected by possible exposure instead of symptoms, because all positive cases can lead to the infection of others,” he said.
In all, 925 students and staff members were quarantined two weeks ago.
And the neighborhood also temporarily closes Etowah High School, one of six high schools it serves. At least 14 students tested positive for the virus, and another 15 are awaiting results. Nearly 300 of the quarantine population of the neighborhood attend or work at that school.
Students at Etowah will continue distance education until August 31, according to Hightower, but extracurricular athletics will still be allowed.
He also urged the use of masks and other precautionary measures as a way to reduce the chances of closures at other schools in the district – after photos taken at Etowah went viral showing that students from the schools were occupying the corridors without wearing face mask.
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“We know that all parents do not believe the scientific research that indicates that masks are beneficial, but I believe it and see masks as an important measure to help us keep schools open,” he said.
Students in the rest of the district are asked to maintain social distance and wear masks when this is not possible.
“While cases are primarily affecting our high schools and we expect that the need for quarantine in them will continue with the possibility of more high school closures,” Hightower said. “We may see more of our high schools and primary schools need quarantine in the coming days and weeks.”
He said the re-effort would require dedication from everyone involved in the neighborhood, including parents, students and faculty.
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“We need our whole community to help us keep our promise,” he said. ‘We must keep you at home when you are sick; get tested if you are symptomatic; report the positive test of your children to our school; follow the quarantine and restrict interaction with non-family members during this period; social distance if you can and wear a mask if you can’t. ”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
